As a signage company with years of experience in the industry, we understand that hotels often face the need to refresh their interiors and exteriors after the busy summer holidays. The arrival of a new season, especially with the upcoming Christmas party season, presents an excellent opportunity to refurbish and redesign your hotel’s environment. One of the most effective ways to do this is through updated and thoughtfully designed signage.
In this blog, we’ll explore various types of hotel signage as well as the use of interior films for walls, glass and more. Both of these elements play a crucial role in not only enhancing the guest experience but also in reinforcing your hotel’s brand identity.
Wayfinding Signage: Guiding Guests Effortlessly
Wayfinding signage is one of the most critical elements of hotel design. It helps guests navigate the property effortlessly, ensuring they can find their way from the lobby to their rooms, restaurants, conference centres, or any other facility within the hotel.
A well-designed wayfinding system can make a significant difference in how guests perceive their stay. Imagine a guest arriving at your hotel for a Christmas party. After a long journey, the last thing they want is to get lost trying to find their room or the event hall. Clear, strategically placed wayfinding signs can prevent this frustration and can be wall-mounted or ceiling-hung dependent on the situation.
- Lobby and Reception Signage: This includes signs that direct guests to the check-in desk, toilets and elevators. These signs should be highly visible and easy to read, often featuring your hotel’s branding to maintain consistency.
- Floor and Room Directional Signage: Once guests have checked in, they need clear instructions to find their rooms. Floor numbers, room directions and emergency exits should be marked with easy-to-understand signage.
- Amenity Signage: From the gym or spa to the restaurant, each of your hotel’s amenities should be easy to locate. Consider signs that are not only directional but also incorporate images or icons to aid international guests or those who may have difficulty with the local language.
Directional Signage: Enhancing the Guest Journey
Directional signage serves as a guidepost for guests, ensuring they reach their destination with ease. It’s not just about putting up signs; it’s about understanding the guest’s journey and strategically placing signs where they are most needed.
For example, if your hotel has a large conference centre, guests attending events will need clear directions to and from different meeting rooms. During the busy Christmas season, when your hotel may be hosting multiple events, well-placed directional signs can minimise confusion and help manage crowd flow.
Directional signs also contribute to the overall aesthetics of your hotel. By using materials and designs that align with your hotel’s theme, these signs become an extension of your interior design rather than just functional elements.
Branding Signage: Reinforcing Identity
Your hotel’s brand is its identity. From the moment guests walk through the doors, every visual element should communicate who you are and what you stand for. Branding signage is a powerful tool to reinforce this identity throughout your property.
- Exterior Signage: The first impression guests have of your hotel is often formed by the exterior signage so it’s crucial that your exterior signage reflects the quality and character of your hotel. This may include branded perimeter totem signs or could be a grand, illuminated sign above the entrance or subtle, elegant signs that blend with the architecture. Your branding should continue through all external signage including wayfinding, directional and parking signage.
- Lobby and Reception Area: The lobby is where your brand can truly shine. Large wall-mounted signs, 3D polished metal signs, large format wall murals and wall papers or even artistic installations featuring your hotel’s name or logo can create a memorable first impression. These signs not only guide guests but also immerse them in your brand’s story.
- Door Name Signs and Plaques: Your brand logo and colours can be showcased on every bedroom and facility door, continuing to reinforce the hotel’s identity as your customers come and go.
- In-Room Branding: Even in the privacy of their rooms, guests should feel connected to your brand. This can be achieved through branded informational signs, like those detailing Wi-Fi access or room service, and even through decorative elements like wall art that incorporates your logo or brand colours.
Promotional Signage: Capturing Guest Attention
As the Christmas party season approaches, your hotel may be offering special deals, events or promotions that you want to highlight to guests. Promotional signage is the perfect way to capture attention and inform guests of what’s on offer.
- Pop-Up Banners: For temporary promotions or events, pop-up banners are a flexible option. They can be placed in key areas, such as the entrance to the dining room or bar, to draw attention to special menus, holiday events or Christmas packages.
- Elevator and Hallway Signage: Elevators and hallways are prime locations for promotional signage. Consider placing branded posters in these areas to highlight your Christmas events, spa packages or special room rates. You can even wrap elevators and glass areas in temporary seasonal designs to really get your guests in the Christmas spirit!
Enhancing Sleeping Areas: Transforming Spaces
The guest room is where your hotel can make a lasting impression. After all, it’s the place where guests will spend most of their time. Thoughtful signage and design elements in this area can enhance the guest experience and leave a positive impression.
- Wardrobe Wraps: If your guest room wardrobes are looking dated, consider architectural wraps as an easy way to update their appearance. These are durable films, ideal for high touch point areas, with over a thousand finishes to choose from, including wood, metals, block colours, leather, bespoke designs and more! A fresh, modern design can make a room feel more luxurious and aligned with current trends.
- In-Room Entertainment Signage: With the growing importance of in-room entertainment options, clear and attractive signage that explains how to use the TV, streaming services, or sound system is essential. These signs can be designed to complement the room’s décor, ensuring they don’t detract from the overall aesthetic.
- Headboard and Wall Art: The headboard is often the focal point of the room, and it’s an ideal place to incorporate branding or artistic elements. Custom wall art or decals above the bed can tie the room’s design together and reinforce your hotel’s identity.
Other Hotel Areas: Interior Films and Architectural Wraps
Interior films and architectural wraps are a versatile and cost-effective way to refresh all areas of your hotel. These materials can be applied to walls, glass and other surfaces to create a new look without the need for extensive renovations.
- Wall Films: Whether you want to create a feature wall in your restaurant or add some personality to the lobby, wall films offer endless possibilities. They can be custom printed with any design, from subtle patterns to bold, eye-catching graphics that reflect your brand’s identity.
- Glass Films: Glass films are perfect for adding privacy or enhancing aesthetics. In areas like conference rooms or spa facilities, frosted or tinted films can provide the privacy guests need while still allowing natural light to flow through. For a more decorative approach, consider films with intricate designs or your hotel’s branding.
- Architectural Wraps: Architectural wraps can be used to give furniture and even doors a new lease on life. If your hotel’s décor is starting to feel outdated, wraps offer a quick and cost-effective solution to modernise the space. These wraps are available in a variety of finishes, including wood grain, metallic and matte, allowing you to achieve the look you want without replacing the furniture.
Partnering with a Professional Signage Company
At Signwrite Studios, we specialise in creating custom signage solutions for hotels. We understand the unique challenges of the hospitality industry and are here to help you refresh your space in time for the busy Christmas season. From concept to installation, our skilled team will work closely with you to ensure that your signage not only meets your needs but exceeds your expectations.
With the right signage, your hotel can stand out in the competitive holiday market, ensuring guests leave with positive memories and a strong connection to your brand. If you’re ready to refresh your hotel’s signage or want to learn more about how we can help, contact us today!
For more information on Hotel Signage: Elevating Guest Experience and Brand Identity talk to Signwrite Studios Ltd